Blood Orange
Citrus sinensis
A rich, warm citrus oil with a deeper, more complex aroma than sweet orange, offering cheerful and comforting aromatic benefits.
Aroma Profile
Sweet, rich, warm citrus aroma with a deeper, slightly tangy undertone and hints of raspberry.
Strength: medium
Get Personalized Safety Info
Sign in and complete your health profile to see safety warnings personalized to your age, sex, medications, conditions, and allergies for this essential oil.
Therapeutic Properties
Chemistry
Primary Constituents
Limonene (90-97%), Myrcene (1-3%), Linalool (0.1-0.5%), Decanal (0.1-0.4%), Alpha-pinene (0.3-0.7%)
Emotional & Psychological
Blood orange has a warm, enveloping quality that eases anxiety and promotes a sense of joy and comfort. Its rich, sweet aroma is deeply comforting during periods of sadness or emotional fatigue. It encourages positivity and can help ease seasonal affective symptoms.
Physical Therapeutic Uses
Supports healthy digestion by relieving gas, bloating, and intestinal spasms. Has mild antiseptic properties beneficial for skin cleansing. The high limonene content offers antioxidant support and may assist lymphatic drainage when used in massage.
Safety Profile
Phototoxicity Warning
Cold-pressed citrus oil with low-level furanocoumarins. Avoid UV exposure for 12 hours after topical application. Use distilled version if higher dilution is needed for leave-on products.
Contraindications
Avoid sun or UV exposure for 12 hours after topical application of cold-pressed oil. Oxidized oil may cause skin sensitization; use within 1 year of opening.
Drug Interactions
No significant known drug interactions at recommended dilutions.
Pet Safety Notes
High limonene content can be irritating or toxic to cats. Avoid direct application on cats and diffuse cautiously around them.
Application Methods
How to Use This Oil
top note — evaporates quickly, usually the first scent you smell. Provides brightness and lift.
Common Ways to Use
Diffusion
Add 3-5 drops to a diffuser with water. Run for 30-60 minutes at a time with breaks. Ensure good ventilation.
Topical Application
Dilute to 1.25% in a carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond, or coconut). Apply to desired area. Always patch test first.
Direct Inhalation
Add 1-2 drops to a tissue or personal inhaler. Breathe in gently. Good for quick relief and on-the-go use.
Massage
Blend at 1.25% dilution in a massage carrier oil. Apply with gentle strokes to the desired area.
Bath
Mix 4-6 drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil or bath salts before adding to warm bath water. Never add undiluted oil directly to bath.